Essential Skills
Essential Skills Literacy courses in Northern Ireland.
Essential Skills Communication, commonly known as the literacy qualification, builds reading, writing, speaking and listening skills for everyday life and work. It is delivered at Entry Level and Levels 1 and 2 and is recognised as equivalent to GCSE English at Level 2.
What you learn
- Reading and understanding a range of texts, including forms, instructions and workplace documents
- Writing clearly and accurately for different purposes, including letters, reports and emails
- Speaking and listening confidently in one-to-one and group situations
- Building the vocabulary, spelling and grammar needed for work and further study
Who it suits
- Adults who want to gain a recognised English qualification without GCSE resits
- Apprentices who need Essential Skills Communication to complete their framework
- Skills for Life & Work trainees working towards a GCSE-equivalent qualification
- Employees whose employer wants to support workplace literacy
Levels available
- Entry Level
- Level 1
- Level 2 (GCSE-equivalent)
Essential Skills is commonly required as part of an Apprenticeship NI programme or a Skills for Life & Work place, unless a learner already holds GCSE grade C / grade 4 or above in the relevant subject.
Other Essential Skills subjects
Questions, answered
What is Essential Skills Literacy?
It is the Northern Ireland adult qualification in Communication, covering reading, writing, speaking and listening. Level 2 is recognised as equivalent to a GCSE grade C or above in English.
Do I need Essential Skills Literacy for an apprenticeship?
Most Apprenticeship NI and Skills for Life & Work programmes require Essential Skills in Communication, Numeracy and ICT unless you already hold a GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent) in that subject.
What level do I start at?
Your local team carries out an initial assessment and places you at the right level, whether that is Entry Level, Level 1 or Level 2, so you are not repeating skills you already have.
Where in Northern Ireland can I do this course?
Essential Skills is delivered across our training centres in Northern Ireland. Get in touch and your nearest team will confirm current availability.
Enquire
Ask about Literacy Essential Skills
Tell us a little about yourself and your nearest Rutledge team will contact you about availability and start dates.